Dolpo Trekking

• Grade: Moderate to Strenuous Camping Trek
• Duration: 17 Days
• Destination: Nepal
• Activities: Trekking, Dolpo Trekking
• Best Seasons: May to October
• Highest Altitude: 5310 mtrs.
• Start-Ends: Kathmandu - Kathmandu

Dolpo is a an unexplored paradise. The pristine nature, uncrowded trails, unique culture and remoteness of the Dolpo Trekking are rewarding experience for the travellers visiting the region. The high Himalayas of western Nepal isolates the Dolpo region. The exceedingly amazing landscapes and serene beauty of the land resembles Tibet. At places the beauty of Dolpo by far surpasses the striking views people get to behold in Tibet. Oriental Journeys targets to bring trekkers of around the globe to Dolpo and its neighboring region undoubtedly is the expert of treks in Dolpo.

Dolpo Trekking is an adventure journey to the remote land of Dolpa region. It is one of the least developed and the most remote regions in Nepal. In 2000, Nepal’s first English subtitled movie on Dolpo, “The Caravan,” was nominated for the Oscars after being a huge success in many countries. After the movie, the world recognized the Dolpo region. Despite the fact, the region still remains an isolated corner and very fewer people visit the region. It was not open for foreigner until 1989. However, the government had allowed the southern part for some organized trekking groups.

Dolpo Region

Dolpo/Dolpa lies beside the Shey Phoksundo National Park in the western north of Nepal and in between the Dhaulagiri range and the Tibetan plateau. Nepal government established the Shey Phoksundo National Park to preserve the ecosystem of plants and wildlife that include rare blue sheep, grey wolf and snow leopard. The view of Kanjiroba peak, Phoksundo Lake and the Dhaulagiri massif is the major attraction of this trek.

One of the easiest ways to reach Dolpo is a flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. From Juphal you will need to trek for about four hours to reach the Dolpa district headquarters, Dunai. But you can also trek to Dunai from Dhorpatan that can be easily reached from Tansen. Along with this journey, you will get to experience the Himalayan lakes, beautiful Buddhist monasteries, turquoise blue Phokhsundo Lake, and get to watch yak caravans being involved in the trade of rock salt and barley with Tibet. If you opt for this trek during summer, you will be able to see the caravans of yaks and sheep running and playing around the valley in the trade route between the Tibetan Plateau and Nepal.

Highlights of  Dolpo Trekking

1. Shey Phoksundo National Park
2. Preserved blue sheep, grey wolf and snow leopard
3. Scenic Flight
4. Unique settlement
5. Shey Phoksundo Lake
6. Traditional Caravan route linking Tibet of China
7. view of Kanjiroba peak, Phoksundo Lake and the Dhaulagiri massif

The beauty and charm of this region are unique in the whole world. Dolpo Trekking is an opportunity to meet the pleasant inhabitants of Tibetan origin. Additionally, you will explore their untouched lifestyle and villages during the trek. Dolpo region lies in the rain shadow area of the Himalayas due to which the landscapes are like deserts without green trees and monsoon watered hills.

Accommodation during Dolpo Trekking

In Kathmandu, we will accommodate you at a 3-star hotel in Thamel. The accommodations are at the local lodges or at tented camp during the trek on twin sharing basis. Hotel room in Kathmandu will have attached bathroom,  however in mountain, toilet and shower comes on sharing basis.

Meal

Our professional staff serve you with typical Nepali food to continental meal during your camping days. The trekking crew will stop at the Lunch stop for day meal, however the Dinner and breakfast are served at the tea house or in the tent camp.  During your stay in Kathmandu, hotel will serve only the breakfast. You can choose either vegetarian or vegan or non veg meal based on your choice while in Kathmandu.

Staff Crew

Trekking Staff, porter, trekking cook along with a guide accompany your trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. We serve the group of travellers with more that eight member with two guides. Porter or mule carry the luggage from Juphal to Juphal. A porter or mule carries the weight ranging from 15kg – 20kg.

Necessary Equipment for Dolpo Trekking 

• Experts recommend the following equipment to bring for Dolpo Trekking :
  Down Sleeping Bag
• Down Jacket
• Long sleeved shirt
• Jumper or fleecy jacket
• T-shirts, Trekking shoes or boots
• Comfy shoes for around the camp
• thick and warm woolen socks
• Light cotton socks
• A day bag to carry your valuable
• Sun hat, Woolen hat, Gloves, rain coat,
• Sun block, lip balm, Goggles or sunglasses, Long underwear,
• Thermal wear, Nylon windbreaker, Nylon wind pants,
• Water bottle
• Sewing kit, Medical & first aid kit,
• Flash light, Batteries and bulbs, Swiss army knife, Towel and toiletries etc.

Physical Fitness and experience

Dolpo trek is a challenging trek that demands ones ability to walk. Normally, one has to walk for 7-8 hours ups and downs in a day carrying own day bag. However, some days are even longer with 8-10 hours of walking. Dolpo trek is also a high altitude hiking demanding more physical fitness, strong determination and excellent health. Definitely, the strong determination with average physical fitness can complete this trek. Before trek, we recommend to go weeks of regular physical exercise and basic training will strengthen your feet and muscles. The trek, particularly, do not require much trainings however past experience also helps . Travellers with heart disease, lung or blood disease should consul with your physician and require to inform Oriental Journeys prior to the tour departure.

Insurance

Travel, medical and rescue and emergency 0evacuation insurance is must before settin off for the Dolpo trek. The insurance policy should cover upto the highest altitude of the trekking route.

Trekking Seasons for Dolpo Trek

Generally, the days of May to October is suitable periods for Upper Dolpo Trek. Dolpo lies in the rain-shadow area beyond high Himalayas. It is more scenic and beautiful with greenery and freshly cultivated land in raining season between mid June to mid September.

Flight

Mountain weather is unpredictable. The bad weather often is major cause of flight cancelation between Nepalgunj to Juphal. We advise the travellers to add few extra days  in Kathmandu. If everything go fine, you can enjoy the days after the trip in Kathmandu doing other activities. In case the flight cancels, we can re-book it for next day. Oriental Journeys will arrange the hotel for you but the meal will be on your part. You will get the similar arrangement Juphal if flight cancels.

Other tours with Dolpo Trekking?

Travellers who book the Dolpo Trekking can enjoy other tours to make a good combination of Nepal experience. The sightseeing tours in Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara, Wildlife Jungle Safari in Bardia National Park can be the most promising tours to combine with Dolpa trek. UNESCO world Heritage Site tour is Kathmandu is the best opportunity to experience the culture of Kathmandu Valley. However, the Bardia National Park is the best place to see Royal Bengal tiger including several other wildlife.

Permits for Dolpo Trekking

Dolpo is a secluded region that requires to special permits from department of immigration to trek.  Government of Nepal, Department of Immigration issues two permits for Dolpo trekking; one for Lower Dolpo and another for Upper Dolpo.  

Lower Dolpo trekking permit fee: USD 20 per person/ week  and USD 5 per person /day ( beyond 1 week)
Upper Dolpo trekking permit fee : USD500 per person (for the first 10 days) and USD 50 per person /Day ( beyond 10 days)

Outline Itinerary

• 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
• Day 02: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj/ flight
• Day 03: Nepalgunj to Juphal/ flight and Juphal to Dunai/ (2150m)
• Day 04: Dunai to Tarakot (2540m)/ 5-6 hrs Trek
• Day 05: Tarakot to Laini Odar (3375m)/ 4-5 hrs Trek
• Day 06: Laini Odar to Nawarpani
• Day 07: Nawarpani to Dho Tarap (3950m)/ 6-7 hrs Trek
• Day 08: Excursion around Dho Tarap for acclimatization
• Day 09: Dho Tarap of Numa La Base Camp (4350m)/ 4-5 hrs trek
• Day 10: Numa La Pass to Danighar (4510m) via Numa La Pass (5310m)/ 6-7 hrs Trek
• Day 11: Danighar to Yak Kharka via Baga La Pass (5170m)/ 5-6 hrs trek
• Day 12: Yak kharka to Phoksundo (3600m)
• Day 13: Explore around Phoksundo Lake
• Day 14: Phoksundo Lake to Chepka / 6 hrs trek
• Day 15: Chepka to Juphal/ 6 hrs trek
• Day 16: Juphal to Nepalgunj flight and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu flight
• Day 17: Depart Kathmandu